In his thoughtful and movement-inspiring book, Last Child in the Woods, author Richard Louv terms this disconnect from the natural world as Nature Deficit Disorder, and suggests that many of today’s children are dealing with this issue.

If you haven’t already, I highly encourage you to read Louv’s book. Even if nature “isn’t your thing,” I suspect you will find the points he makes about childhood and society quite relevant.

So, I’ve been thinking: What if nature isn’t your thing? What if you don’t consider yourself an “outdoors” person? Often, outdoor proponents can seem like their message is meant for a very specific group of individuals — campers and kayakers, or people who really KNOW a lot about nature and the environment.

Now, it must be said that they don’t mean to exclude folks, but it’s easy for people to feel like they are on the outside looking in, or that a message isn’t relevant to them and their lives. It happens to us all.

But let me let you in on a little secret: Nature IS your thing. Enjoying nature can be as simple as a picnic in your backyard or potting beautiful flowers on your balcony. Blue skies and puddle jumping. Of course, it can be much deeper than that, like taking up birding, going white-water rafting, or fishing. Nature does not exclude anyone. It has something to offer everyone — children and adults alike.

I hope that you will explore nature YOUR way and be open to new experiences, and make sure that the children in your world have the same opportunities. Have never tried camping? You just might like it. Can’t remember the last time you noticed the sights and sounds of nature on a walk or a trip to the park? Slow down and take note. You’ll be glad you did.

I like the concept that anybody can enjoy nature, not just the serious-minded kayaker or straight-uphill mt. climber. Nice to think that a picnic in the park can be had by one and all! Thanks for sharing this simple, but profound, idea, Bethe!

I believe it is an ESSENTIAL for all of us to return to nature. We’re working on a children’s project here in Guatemala and it will be an essential part of the children’s childhood-experiencing nature and developing an appreciation for it. Will check out the book-thanks!

Thank you all so much for reading the blog, and leaving your thoughtful comments. I’m glad this issue seems to be resonating with people. Let me know what you think of the book, and Heather, keep up me posted on your project in Guatemala. I checked out your site — you’re doing really important work. Thank you for that.

I put this book on hold at the library on Saturday. Seems it should be required reading and I think it will definitely resonate. Ever heard the song “Outdoor Type” by the Lemonheads? Thought it would be a good soundtrack for this post.

So true GST. Nature is often thought to be something “out there”…when really that connection begins ” in here” … in our hearts… in our backyards… in the crack in the sidewalk. Recently took a group of kids from the most urban, under-resourced, neighborhoods in Seattle out on their playground armed w/binoculars to practice field investigation skills before we took them to the park up the street the following week. One young lady saw her first sparrow with the binos and screamed with excitement. A few moments later she said “BIRDS!! They are EVERYWHERE”. As we headed back into the school building she turned to my colleague and said…”I’ve never been this close to nature before”. Lesson learned….Nature IS everywhere.